Police guard school as search continues for girl's killer

Police: Suspect is armed, dangerous

Police officers were stationed outside an elementary school on Monday as authorities searched for a man suspected of stabbing an 8-year-old girl to death in the small Calaveras County town of Valley Springs.

For the safety of students, Calaveras County deputies patrolled Jenny Lind Elementary School in Valley Springs, as classmates of victim Leila Fowler were greeted by instructors as they somberly returned to school.

Grief counselors were also expected to be available at the school. A class of sixth-graders placed ribbons outside to remember Leila, a third-grader.

Parents are also asking for extra patrols at the bus stops, to keep children safe.

As authorities continue their investigation, the community has been asked to keep their windows and doors locked.

Already, investigators have fingerprints and what they believe to be DNA evidence from the crime scene, they said at a Sunday evening news conference.

One day earlier, police said a 12-year-old boy encountered an intruder in his home on Rippon Road, and the man ran away.

The boy went to check on his sister and found she had been stabbed.

The Calaveras County coroner said Fowler suffered several stab wounds. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

An autopsy is planned for Monday.

Leila's mother, Crystal Walters, said Monday in a message to CNN via Facebook that the family is devastated.

"She didn't deserve this," Walters said.

Authorities said they are searching the area for a man described as being white or Hispanic with longer gray hair. He is 6 feet tall, with a muscular build and was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and blue pants.

Police said the man is considered armed and dangerous.

Residents in the area were being warned during the weekend via reverse 911 and Nixle mass notifications systems to lock their doors and report suspicious activity.

An area search of Valley Springs continued throughout Saturday night and into Sunday, police said.

People who know the family told KCRA 3 that Leila was one of seven children, and that her parents were very involved with the community and Little League.

If anyone sees a person matching the description, they are asked to call 911 or the Sheriff's Office immediately. Tips can also be provided to the 24-hour tip line at 209-754-6030.

A candlelight vigil for Leila is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Photos: Calaveras County vigil remembers Leila Fowler

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Mallory Hoff/KCRA

Leila Fowler

A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday in memory of 8-year-old Leila Fowler, who was killed inside her family's Valley Springs home over the weekend (April 30, 2013).